Art, architecture, and functionality come together in Hotel Puijonsarvi’s new entrances

What can be done when hotel guests feel like explorers searching for the main entrance, and the recessed side entrance attracts nighttime passersby for unwanted activities? Original Sokos Hotel Puijonsarvi faced these challenges and turned to Partanen & Lamusuo for help.

"The project began with two concrete challenges: the main entrance of Puijonsarvi was inconspicuous, causing guests to get lost, while the recessed side entrance invited undesirable use. The entrance forms a guest’s first impression of the hotel, guides visitors to the right place, and sets the tone for their stay from the very first moment. Therefore, it must be both visually inviting and functionally effective," explain Partanen & Lamusuo.

The design duo opted for a spatial experience renewal, making Puijonsarvi’s entrances significantly more aesthetic, comfortable, and secure. The stunning main entrance, designed by the artist-architect couple is illuminated with light art and is now impossible to miss.

The side entrance was enhanced with planter boxes illuminated from below, adding warmth and brightness to the previously shadowy recess. This transformation has changed how the space is used—what was once a dark and unwelcoming corner no longer attracts undesirable gatherings.

Modern lighting, artistic elements, and carefully selected materials have improved the building’s overall appearance, clarified access routes, and created a welcoming first impression for hotel guests. At the same time, the general safety and usability of the area have improved, as formerly dim and neglected spaces have been transformed into bright and inviting areas.

“The light art integrated into the canopy is a functional element that enhances accessibility, usability, and safety. It illuminates the area beneath, making it easier to locate the entrance and move around the space.”

A Canopy in Bronze Tones Welcomes Hotel Guests

The old canopy at Puijonsarvi’s entrance was rather unremarkable. Outdated and no longer serving its purpose as a guidepost, it failed to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests.

“The redesign of the main entrance canopy aimed to unify the hotel buildings along the same street line with a cohesive design language, refreshed with a modern twist. We designed a bronze-toned canopy, enhanced with light art, to seamlessly guide guests to the reception,” explain Partanen & Lamusuo.

Bringing their expertise in architectural design and bronze finishing, the artist-architect duo also played an active role in painting and refining the underside of the canopy in collaboration with the construction contractor.

The canopy’s lighting solution features a dynamic, irregular lattice pattern, where light strips of varying lengths intersect at different angles. These overlapping light strips create a rhythmic, layered effect that adds depth and visual intrigue.

The illuminated, striking canopy naturally establishes a hierarchy between the entrances. Its bold, overhanging form stands out even from a distance, while the light enhances the bronze-coated underside, making it glow in rich shades of bronze and gold.

“The light art integrated into the canopy is also a functional element, improving accessibility, usability, and safety. It illuminates the area beneath the canopy, making the entrance easier to find and navigate,” describe Partanen & Lamusuo.

The entrance’s light art extends the atmosphere of the interior artworks created by Partanen & Lamusuo, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. The indirect lighting from the light strips and interactive illumination solutions integrated into the artworks create a warm and inviting ambiance.

Greenery and Light with Natural Stone Planters

In addition to the main entrance, Partanen & Lamusuo also revitalized the look of the side entrance. Previously, this recessed entrance was dimly lit and often attracted unwanted activity, making the area feel unkempt. To address this issue, Partanen & Lamusuo designed two natural stone planters positioned at the corners of the recess, seamlessly integrating them with the stone foundation of the adjacent wooden building.

The planters were filled with greenery that adds a natural, inviting touch to the entrance year-round. To enhance their visual appeal, lighting was installed beneath the plants, creating a vibrant and dynamic effect. The result is a cozy, stylish, and well-defined passageway that transforms the atmosphere and usability of the entire area.

This project is a great example of how thoughtful design and attention to detail can significantly enhance a hotel’s ambiance and guest experience. The aesthetically remarkable and functional entrance solutions at Puijonsarvi not only serve hotel guests and staff but also contribute to a more beautiful urban landscape.

"Collaborating with Puijonsarvi is always rewarding and inspiring. We are currently discussing a new light art installation for the façade, which would further strengthen the connection between the indoor and outdoor artistic details," add Partanen & Lamusuo.